On 22nd April 2025, in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, a shepherd was seen overwhelmed on a scorching afternoon while grazing his livestock, all because his son had given him a reason to rejoice. In a heartwarming story of grit and determination, Birdev Siddapa Dhone, a native of Yamge village in Kagal Taluka, has secured an All India Rank of 551 in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Birdev’s father didn’t know much about civil services, but he always had faith in his son’s efforts. Birdev’s family had long lived in despair and lacked basic facilities, with their community by their side. With no proper employment opportunities, they worked as shepherds, taking their livestock for grazing — their only means of livelihood to survive.
Birdev’s journey is one of true inspiration. Growing up in a poor family, he spent his childhood tending to the family’s sheep in the hills. Raised in a family with limited financial resources, he often studied under the open sky or in the verandah of his school, driven by a strong dream of becoming a civil servant.
His schooling at Vidya Mandir School and Jai Maharashtra High School in Yamge, followed by junior college at Shivraj Vidyalaya, Murgud, laid the foundation for his academic excellence. He topped the Murgud center in Class 10 with 96% and continued to shine with 89% in the science stream in Class 12.
He pursued engineering at COEP Technological University in Pune – a milestone that brought him one step closer to his dream. Determined to crack the UPSC exam, he moved to Delhi for preparation. The high cost of living in the capital didn’t deter him, thanks to the financial support of his brother, who is currently serving in the Indian Army.
However, success didn’t come easy. After facing setbacks in his first two attempts, Birdev finally cracked the exam in his third try. The news of his success reached him while he was near Belgaum, herding livestock – a task he often performed at home. The village erupted in joy, and his father, Siddappa Dhone, celebrated the moment by proudly adorning his son with a phenta, Maharashtra’s traditional turban.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah personally called to congratulate Beerappa on his remarkable achievement. His father Siddappa, mother Balavva, and other family members honored him with a traditional aarti and gifted him a lamb. Overjoyed, Beerappa expressed his ambition of becoming an IPS officer in the future.
Birdev’s story stands as an example of perseverance, family support, and the power of dreams – a shining beacon for rural youth across the country.
